2015/2258(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the European Council of December 2013 decided to examine the financial aspects of EU missions and operations, including the review of the Athena mechanism, in order to ensure that procedures and rules enable the Union to be faster, more flexible and efficient in the deployment of EU civilian missions and military operations;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores, in this context, the fact that the review of the Athena mechanism has not produced tangible results, and calls on the Council to deliver quickly on this issue; supports, in particular, an expansion of the costs eligible under Athena, such as the pre-financing of certain costs or the strategic transport of EU battle groups; ~~expects a final decision on these issues at the next European Council on~~insists that the European Defence Council, at its next meeting, take a final decision on these issues; points out that postponing such a final decision places a question mark over the accomplishment of the changes that are urgently needed in the realm of European security and defence;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Supports initiatives to explore the possibility of attracting and managing financial contributions from third countries or international organisations within Athena, but warns against any contribution by the EU budget which risks having a detrimental effect on the financing of civilian missions; also supports the option of ‘joint financing’, whereby a smaller number of participating countries would finance some operational costs of the missions, under the condition that their contributions are managed by Athena and supplement rather than replace the common costs;deleted

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Supports initiatives to explore the possibility of attracting and managing financial contributions from third countries or international organisations within Athena, but w~~Warns against any contribution by the EU budget which risks having a detrimental effect on the financing of civilian missions; also supports the option of ‘joint financing’, whereby a smaller number of participating countries would finance some operational costs of the missions, under the condition that their contributions are managed by Athena and supplement rather than replace the common costs;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Supports initiatives to explore the possibility of attracting and managing financial contributions from third countries or international organisations within Athena, but w~~Warns against any contribution by the EU budget which risks having a detrimental effect on the financing of civilian missions; also supports the option of ‘joint financing’, whereby a smaller number of participating countries would finance some operational costs of the missions, under the condition that their contributions are managed by Athena and supplement rather than replace the common costs;

Amendment 104 #

Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Supports initiatives to explore the possibility of attracting and managing financial contributions from third countries or international organisations within Athena~~, but warns against any contribution by the EU budget which risks having a detrimental effect on the financing of civilian missions~~; also supports the option of ‘joint financing’, whereby a smaller number of participating countries would finance some operational costs of the missions, under the condition that their contributions are managed by Athena and supplement rather than replace the common costs;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Recalls~~Condemns the fact that the Lisbon Treaty provides the EU with new CSDP provisions ~~which are yet untapped; encourag~~; advises the Council not to make use of Article 44 TEU, enabling a group of willing Member States to go ahead with the implementation of a CSDP task; ~~takes the view that~~condemns the ad hoc funding mechanisms for a military operation ~~should cover more than the traditional common costs reimbursed by Athena~~s;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Recalls that the Lisbon Treaty provides the EU with new CSDP provisions which are yet untapped; encourages the Council to make use of Article 44 TEU, enabling a group of willing Member States to go ahead with the implementation of a CSDP task; ~~takes the view that the ad hoc funding mechanisms for a military operation should cover more than the traditional common costs reimbursed by Athena;~~

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Recalls that the Lisbon Treaty provides the EU with new CSDP provisions which are yet untapped; encourages the Council to make use of Article 44 TEU, enabling a group of willing Member States to go ahead with the implementation of a CSDP task; considers the urgent need for a faster decision making process; takes the view that the ad hoc funding mechanisms for a military operation should cover more than the traditional common costs reimbursed by Athena;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; notes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, which would also considerably strengthen the EU rapid reaction capability;deleted

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; notes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, which would also considerably strengthen the EU rapid reaction capability;deleted

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas, according to the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU High Representative is also the Vice-President of the Commission, the Head of the European Defence Agency and also Chairs the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union; whereas, according to article 45 of the TEU, the European Defence Agency "shall carry out its tasks in liaison with the Commission where necessary";

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; nNotes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, which would also considerably strengthen the EU rapid reaction capability;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; calls on the Council to put forward a proposal on how in a crisis situation the consultation of the European Parliament can be done quickly; notes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, which would also considerably strengthen the EU rapid reaction capability; regrets in this regard the lack of substance in the Council's Policy Framework for Systematic and Long-Term Defence Cooperation adopted on 18 November 2014 because the paper just describes current practices; calls therefore on the Commission to put forward the necessary proposal to clarify how the EU budget can facilitate the establishment of the permanent structure cooperation (PESCO) and the work of military peacetime cooperation within the PESCO framework;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate, during the current budget year, the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; notes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, which would also considerably strengthen the EU rapid reaction capability;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate as soon as possible the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent and rapid financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; notes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, which would also considerably strengthen the EU rapid reaction capability;

Amendment 114 #

Daniel CASPARY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the Council to initiate the setting-up of the start-up fund (foreseen by Article 41(3) TEU) for the urgent financing of the initial phases of military operations, which could also serve as a strong tool for capacity development; notes that, while civilian missions benefit from a dedicated budget for preparatory measures, the deployment and efficiency of military missions will remain structurally hindered as long as this possibility is not used; strongly encourages Member States to engage in the permanent structured cooperation provided for by Article 46 TEU, ~~which would also considerably strengthe~~through which the urgently needed improvement in the EU's rapid reaction capability would also be achieved considerably more quickly;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Is surprised that there are as yet no European-level tax incentives to cooperation and pooling; takes note of the call by the December 2013 Council for such arrangements to be explored, and finds it regrettable that, a year on, discussions have not yet produced any tangible measures in this regard; notes that the Belgian Government already grants VAT exemptions, on an ad hoc basis, to the preparatory phases of certain EDA projects, e.g. for satellite communications; believes that such exemptions should be applied as a matter of course and should be extended to infrastructure and to specific capability- related programmes, taking as a model the existing mechanism within NATO or the existing EU mechanism for civilian research infrastructures; calls for the development of any other incentive that could encourage capability cooperation between Europeans;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. ~~Stresse~~Insists that there be transparency ~~and~~, comprehensive accountability a~~re essential requirements not only for democratic scrutiny but also for the adequate functioning, and the credibility, of~~nd extensive democratic scrutiny in connection with missions carried out ~~under the EU flag~~; welcomes the reporting mechanisms provided for by the interinstitutional agreement of 2 December 2013, such as the joint consultation meetings on CFSP and the quarterly reports on the CFSP budget; calls on the Commission to ~~make an extensive~~ interpret~~ation of~~ Article 49 (1) (g) of the Financial Regulation ~~and to propose specific lines for each civilian CSDP mission under the CFSP chapter~~narrowly;

Amendment 117 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that transparency and accountability are essential requirements not only for democratic scrutiny but also for the adequate functioning, and the credibility, of missions carried out under the EU flag; welcomes the reporting mechanisms provided for by the interinstitutional agreement of 2 December 2013, such as the joint consultation meetings on CFSP and the quarterly reports on the CFSP budget; ~~calls on the Commission to make an extensive interpretation of Article 49 (1) (g) of the Financial Regulation and to propose specific lines for each civilian CSDP mission under the CFSP chapter;~~

Amendment 118 #

Neena GILL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that transparency and accountability are essential requirements not only for democratic scrutiny but also for the adequate functioning, and the credibility, of missions carried out under the EU flag; welcomes the reporting mechanisms provided for by the interinstitutional agreement of 2 December 2013, such as the ~~joint consultation meetings on CFSP and the quarterly reports on the CFSP budget~~quarterly reports on the CFSP budget and the joint consultation meetings on CFSP; welcomes the commitment made by the VP/HR to breathe new life into the latter meetings and to introduce an appropriate degree of flexibility regarding their scope in order to keep Parliament fully informed on military missions and on the work and agenda of the Political and Security Committee; calls on the Commission to make an extensive interpretation of Article 49 (1) (g) of the Financial Regulation and to propose specific lines for each civilian CSDP mission under the CFSP chapter;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that transparency and accountability are essential requirements not only for democratic scrutiny but also for the adequate functioning, and the credibility, of missions carried out under the EU flag; welcomes the reporting mechanisms provided for by the interinstitutional agreement of 2 December 2013, such as the joint consultation meetings on CFSP and the quarterly reports on the CFSP budget; maintains that any improvement in the flexibility and efficiency of financing and undertaking missions and operations must not compromise the achieved positive developments with regard to transparency and accountability in CSDP interventions; calls on the Commission to make an extensive interpretation of Article 49 (1) (g) of the Financial Regulation and to propose specific lines for each civilian CSDP mission under the CFSP chapter;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are by far the main funders of peace operations, while CSDP operations and missions represent only a small part of all funding; regrets the very modest nature of CSDP interventions, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of low- profile military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace-enforcement;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that transparency and accountability are essential requirements not only for democratic scrutiny but also for the adequate functioning, and the credibility, of missions carried out under the EU flag; welcomes the reporting mechanisms provided for by the interinstitutional agreement of 2 December 2013, such as the joint consultation meetings on CFSP and the quarterly reports on the CFSP budget; calls on the Commission to make an extensive interpretation of Article 49 (1) (g) of the Financial Regulation ~~and~~, to propose specific lines for each civilian CSDP mission under the CFSP chapter and to automatically include in the annual activity report a breakdown of each mission, the participants and the costs incurred;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Looks forward to initiatives which would bring clarity and consistency as to the financing and operating rules applying to civilian missions; welcomes, in the light of the ongoing discussion on flexibility in the financial rules, the commitment by the Commission to prepare a specific template for all CSDP missions, and to adapt the existing guidelines to their needs;

Amendment 122 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Encourages the VP/HR to take leadership in CSDP and to play a steering role in breaking down silos by ensuring coordination between the Council, the Commission and the EEAS, and by guaranteeing coherence within the two latter bodies; suggests that EU Special Representatives could be entrusted with the mandate to improve dialogue and cooperation between the various EU players on the ground, in order to increase the coherence of the EU action and turn the multiple sources of funding from a challenge into an asseton responsibility for the CSDP;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Encourages the VP/HR to take ~~leadership in CSDP and to play a steering role in breaking down silos by~~responsibility in CSDP by better ensuring coordination between the Council, the Commission and the EEAS, and by guaranteeing coherence within the two latter bodies; suggests that EU Special Representatives could be entrusted with the mandate to improve dialogue and cooperation between the various EU players on the ground, in order to increase the coherence of the EU action and turn the multiple sources of funding from a challenge into an asset;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Takes the view that the next European Council on defence should not waste an opportunity to have a deep discussion and produce concrete proposals on reforming the financial arrangements for CSDP missions and operations; ~~urges the Member States to deliver on the commitments undertaken at the European Council of December 2013;~~

Amendment 125 #

Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Takes the view that the next European Council on defence should not waste an opportunity to have a deep discussion and produce concrete proposals on reforming the financial arrangements for CSDP missions and operations; calls on the European Council, at that meeting, to consider establishing a new form of closer coordination on a firmer footing within European defence forces, between Member States and at EU level, to be achieved by effective pooling of all resources, capabilities, and assets; urges the Member States to deliver on the commitments undertaken at the European Council of December 2013;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Takes the view that the next European Council on defence should not waste an opportunity to have a deep discussion and produce concrete proposals on reforming the financial arrangements for CSDP missions and operations; urges the Member States to deliver on the commitments undertaken at the European Council of December 2013; considers it necessary for the next European Defence Council to take concrete steps to improve the EU’s defence capabilities in a manner complementing NATO, to maintain and consolidate the European Defence Agency and to provide support for a common industrial and technological base;

Amendment 127 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Takes the view that the next European Council on defence should not waste an opportunity to have a deep discussion and produce concrete proposals on reforming the financial arrangements for CSDP missions and operations; in order to make them more efficient, more successful urges the Member States to deliver on the commitments undertaken at the European Council of December 2013;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Takes the view that the next European Council on defence should ~~not waste an~~seize the opportunity to have a deep discussion and produce concrete proposals on reforming the financial arrangements for CSDP missions and operations; urges the Member States to deliver on the commitments undertaken at the European Council of December 2013;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Calls on the Commission to support the efforts made by the Member States to put into effect the decisions adopted by the European Council on bolstering defence capabilities, bearing in mind the budgetary constraints facing some Member States.

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are by far the main funders of peace operations, while CSDP operations and missions represent only a small part of all funding; regrets the very modest nature of CSDP interventions, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of low- profile military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace-enforcement;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the President of the European Council, ~~the VP/HR,~~ the Council, the Commission, and the ~~govern~~parliaments and ~~parlia~~governments of the Member States~~, the Secretary-General of NATO and the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly~~.

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are by far the main funders of peace operations, while ~~CSDP~~common foreign and defence policy operations and missions represent only a small part of all funding; ~~regret~~justifies the very modest nature of CSDP interventions~~, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of low-profile military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace-enforcement~~ by the fact that defence is a Member State prerogative and the only possible role for the Union is one of coordination; reminds the Union that defence falls within the competence of states, that it is not the role of the EU to take their place in that regard or to engage in military interventions as a token gesture or to attract media attention, and also that it cannot replace international peace-keeping organisations such as the UN;

Amendment 15 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are ~~by far the main~~major funders of peace ~~operations, while CSDP operat~~and crisis- management operations throughout the world and that CSDP civilian and military missions and ~~miss~~operations represent ~~only a~~a very small psharte of all funding; regrets the very modest nature of CSDP interventions, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of low-profile military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace- enforcement; Is convinced that the EU cannot allow itself to focus exclusively on instruments for a post-crisis context or for supporting exit from crisis, but rather must be capable of intervention across the full spectrum of crisis management;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are by far the main funders of peace operations, while CSDP operations and missions ~~represent~~constitute only a small part of all funding; ~~regrets the very modest nature~~acknowledges the importance of CSDP interventions for achieving peace, while encouraging Member States to adopt a more pronounced stance towards the prevention of conflict and maintenance of sustainable peace in conflict-ridden zones; regrets the modest composition of CSDP interventions, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of ~~low-profi~~small-scale military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace- enforcement;

Amendment 17 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are by far the main funders of peace operations, while CSDP operations and missions represent only a small part of all funding; ~~regrets~~takes note of the very modest nature of CSDP interventions, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of low- profile military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace-enforcement;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the EU and its Member States are by far the main funders of peace operations, while CSDP operations and missions represent only a small part of all funding; ~~regret~~notes the very modest nature of CSDP interventions, especially the military ones, consisting mainly of low-profile military training missions instead of substantial European contributions to peace-keeping and peace-enforcement;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

~~2. Calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to unleash the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty with regard to a faster and more flexible use of the CSDP missions and operations;~~deleted

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)

- having regard to the 2014 annual report and to the 2013 financial report of the European Defence Agency,

Amendment 20 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to unleash the full potential of the ~~Lisbon Treaty with regard to a faster and more flexible use of the CSDP missions and~~ EU Treaties in initiatives based on closer cooperations;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to ~~unleash the full potential of~~consider the possibilities within the Lisbon Treaty with regard to a faster and more flexible use of the CSDP missions and operations;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to unleash the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty with regard to a faster and more flexible use of the CSDP missions and operations by setting-up, for instance, permanent structured cooperation, as foreseen by article 46 of the TEU, enabling EU cooperation on defence matters;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to unleash the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty, and especially of its article 44, with regard to a faster and more flexible use of the CSDP missions and operations;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes ~~with concern~~ that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ~~ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for~~fact that defence is a national prerogative and encourages the Member States not to use it as a budget-balancing variable at a time when defence spending worldwide is rising rapidly; points out that determining military doctrine and concluding strategic defence partnerships are also tasks for the Member States and that the Union can do no more than provide encouragement when asked to do so; notes that the EU cannoto be strengthened as an actor in defence~~, and regrets~~ because of the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer defence coordination and cooperation between Member States and at EU level, ~~in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets~~provided they take place as part of a European defence effort independent of NATO;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes ~~with concern~~ that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are ~~still unable~~failing to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; ~~recalls the ambitious~~takes note of the civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an actor in defence, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates ~~closer~~ defence coordination and cooperation between Member States and at EU level~~, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets~~;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes with concern that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an actor in defence, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer defence coordination and cooperation between Member States and at EU level, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes with concern that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an actor in defence, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer defence coordination and cooperation between Member States and at EU level, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes with concern that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an real actor in defence, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer security and defence coordination and cooperation between Member States and at EU level, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets;

Amendment 29 #

Tonino PICULA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes with concern that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an actor in defence, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer ~~defence~~EU domestic and external policy coordination and better defence cooperation between Member States and at EU level, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets;

Amendment 3 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the ~~increasingly volatile security environment calls for a strengthening of the CSDP to make it a more effective policy instrument~~European Union has itself brought about the increasingly volatile security environment, such as, for example, the strained and diplomatically one-sided relationship with Russia;

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes with concern that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an actor in defence in the context of NATO, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer defence coordination and cooperation within a NATO context between Member States and at EU level, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes with concern that despite a combined yearly defence budget of some EUR 190 billion, the Member States are still unable to meet the 1999 Helsinki Headline Goals; recalls the ambitious civilian headline goals set by the EU; calls for the EU to be strengthened as an actor in defence, and regrets the lack of a clear military doctrine which operationalises the tasks listed in Article 43 TEU (the expanded ‘Petersberg tasks’); strongly advocates closer defence coordination and cooperation between Member States and at EU level, in particular pooling and sharing of resources, capabilities and assets; calls on the Commission to carry out an analysis of security and defence challenges and requirements as a matter of urgency;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the level of funding for civilian CSDP missions under the CFSP chapter of the EU budget has declined over the past years ~~and is expected to stay stable as part of the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020; regret~~; notes that civilian missions have been affected by the generalised shortfall of payment appropriations, obliging the Commission to delay the payment of EUR 22 million to 2015 as a mitigating measure; welcomes, however, that some EUR 16 million have been identified as possible savings~~, allowing further missions to be funded should the need arise in the near future~~;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Note~~Regrets that the level of funding for civilian CSDP missions under the CFSP chapter of the EU budget has declined over the past years and is expected to stay stable as part of the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020; ~~regrets~~deplores the fact that that civilian missions have been affected by the generalised shortfall of payment appropriations, obliging the Commission to delay the payment of EUR 22 million to 2015 as a mitigating measure; welcomes, however, that some EUR 16 million have been identified as possible savings, allowing further missions to be funded should the need arise in the near future;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the level of funding for civilian CSDP missions under the CFSP chapter of the EU budget has declined over the past years and is expected to stay stable as part of the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020; regrets that civilian missions have been affected by the generalised shortfall of payment appropriations, obliging the Commission to delay the payment of EUR 22 million to 2015 as a mitigating measure; welcomes, however, that some EUR 16 million have been identified as possible savings, allowing further missions to be funded should the need arise in the near future; underscores the fact that expanded EU competences and more EU actions cannot be depicted as budget-neutral and that the MFF sets strict limits;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to focus greater attention on conflict prevention measures and post-conflict management measures aimed at keeping the peace;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the missions under the CSDP, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, but also to a certain lack of flexibility of the financial rules, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;deleted

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the missions under the CSDP, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, but also to a certain lack of flexibility of the financial rules, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning; stresses the importance of CSDP joint disarmament missions seeking to provide military advice and assistance, as well as launching post-conflict stabilisation operations; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures concerning the CSDP civilian mission; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the CSDP missions under the C~~SDP~~FSP framework, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, but also to a certain lack of flexibility of the financial rules, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the missions under the CSDP, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, to a very bureaucratic system of procurement, but also to a certain lack of flexibility of the financial rules, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the increasingly ~~volatile~~challenging security environment calls for a strengthening of the CSDP to make it a more effective policy instrument, a real guarantee for the safety of EU citizens and for the promotion of European interests and values;

Amendment 40 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the missions under the CSDP, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, but also to a certain lack of ~~flexibility~~a consolidated approach ofn the ~~financial rule~~application of financial rules to CSDP missions, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the missions under the CSDP, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, but also to a certain lack of flexibility of the financial rules, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning, and potentially on the safety of missions; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;

Amendment 42 #

Daniel CASPARY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the concrete measures and pragmatic solutions introduced recently by the Commission within the existing framework of financial rules in order to shorten financial procedures; deplores, however, the still significant delays in procuring essential equipment and services to the missions under the CSDP, partially due to the often slow process of adopting decisions by the Council, but also to a certain lack of flexibility of the financial rules, and the resulting negative effect on the missions’ functioning and staff; recalls that the Court of Auditors already criticised this in its 2012 Special Report on the EU assistance to Kosovo related to the rule of law;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Commission to mitigate these shortfalls, and to propose the necessary adaptations to financial rules for civilian CSDP missions, in order to facilitate the rapid and flexible conduct of missions, while guaranteeing sound financial management of the EU resources and an adequate protection of the Union’s financial interests; takes the view that the budget implementation powers should be delegated to the Civilian Operation Commander, in the same way that has been done for Heads of EU Delegations;deleted

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Commission to mitigate these shortfalls~~, and to propose the necessary adaptations to financial rules for civilian CSDP mission~~ by preparing a specific template for the financial rules for civilian CSDP missions and by adapting existing guidelines to their needs, in order to facilitate the rapid and flexible conduct of missions, while guaranteeing sound financial management of the EU resources and an adequate protection of the Union’s financial interests; takes the view that the budget ~~implementation powers should be delegated to the Civilian Operation Commander, in the same way that has been done for Heads of EU Delegations~~should continue to be implemented by the Commission in close coordination with the Civilian Operation Commander;

Amendment 45 #

Marek JUREK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Commission to mitigate these shortfalls, and to propose the necessary adaptations to financial rules for civilian CSDP missions, in order to facilitate the rapid and flexible conduct of missions, while guaranteeing sound financial management of the EU resources and an adequate protection of the Union’s financial interests; ~~takes the view that the budget implementation powers should be delegated to the Civilian Operation Commander, in the same way that has been done for Heads of EU Delegations;~~

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Urges the Commission to mitigate these shortfalls, and to propose the necessary adaptations to financial rules for civilian CSDP missions, in order to facilitate the rapid ~~and~~, flexible and more efficient conduct of missions, while guaranteeing sound financial management of the EU resources and an adequate protection of the Union’s financial interests; takes the view that the budget implementation powers should be delegated to the Civilian Operation Commander, in the same way that has been done for Heads of EU Delegations;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Urges the Commission to take note of recent jihadist terrorist attacks and accordingly step up security in public buildings in Europe, given that it presents the easiest target for jihadists, who have issued the Commission with a warning of a further terrorist strike;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to conduct an annual evaluation of the overall costs of security and defence policies, including a transparent presentation of procurement procedures, with a view to managing the budget allocated to this field as efficiently as possible in the future;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Strongly encourages~~Notes that the setting up of a Shared Services Centre (SSC)~~, together with~~ and the establishment of an Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS), a~~s a way to improve the speed of deployment, and cost-efficiency, of civilian missions; deplores that this initiative has been in~~re at a stalemate ~~so far~~; notes that a mission support platform is currently being considered~~, but calls on the Commission and the EEAS to make further steps towards establishing a genuine SSC~~;

Amendment 5 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the increasingly volatile security environment, characterised with new risks and threats to which no Member State can cope with alone; calls for a strengthening of the CSDP to make it a more effective policy instrument;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Strongly encourages~~Acknowledges the discussion with the regard to the setting up of a Shared Services Centre (SSC), together with an Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS), as a way to improve the speed of deployment, and cost-efficiency, of civilian missions; ~~deplor~~recognises that this initiative has been in a stalemate so far~~; notes that a mission support platform is currently being considered, but calls on the Commission and the EEAS to make further steps towards establishing a genuine SSC~~ and that according to the Commission the setting up of the SSC is unrealistic at this point in time; notes that a mission support platform is currently being considered;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Strongly encourages the ~~setting up of a Shared Services Centre (SSC)~~centralisation of mission support functions, together with an Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS), as a way to improve the speed of deployment, and cost-efficiency, of civilian missions; ~~deplor~~notes that th~~is initiative has been in a stalemate so far~~e discussions on this subject in the Council are still ongoing; notes that a mission support platform is currently being considered~~, but~~; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ~~make fur~~ensure ther s~~teps towards establishing a genuine SSC~~wift progress on the file;

Amendment 52 #

Tonino PICULA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Strongly encourages the centralisation of mission support functions trough setting up of a Shared Services Centre (SSC), together with an Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS), as a way to improve the speed of deployment, and cost-efficiency, of civilian missions; deplores that this initiative has been in a stalemate so far; notes that ~~a mission support platform is currently being considered, but~~the discussions on this subject in the Council are still ongoing and calls on the Commission and the EEAS to make further common steps towards establishing a genuine ~~SSC~~shared mission support system;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Believes that the chronic constraints of the EEAS/Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability’s administrative budget should be alleviated, as the yearly budget allocation remains too small to cater for all planning, conduct and support tasks, notably when more missions are launched almost simultaneously;deleted

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Believes that the chronic constraints of the EEAS/Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability’s administrative budget should be fast alleviated, as the yearly budget allocation remains too small to cater for all planning, conduct and support tasks, notably when more missions are launched almost simultaneously;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Takes the view that the permanent CSDP Warehouse, which currently only serves new CSDP civilian missions, should quickly be upgraded by enlarging its scope to include existing missions and by improving the availability of stored equipment, and that it should be managed by the future SSC;deleted

Amendment 56 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Takes the view that the permanent CSDP Warehouse, which currently only serves new CSDP civilian missions, should quickly be upgraded by enlarging its scope to include existing missions and by improving the availability of stored equipment, and enlarge, as well, the diversity of the necessary equipment, and that it should be managed by the future SSC;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Takes the view that the permanent CSDP Warehouse, which currently only serves new CSDP civilian missions, should quickly be upgraded by enlarging its scope to include existing missions and by improving the availability of stored equipment~~, and that it s~~; proposes that the CSDP Warehouldse be managed by the future SSC;

Amendment 58 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the need for adequate staffing of missions in line with the various commitments made by Member States in this respect (e.g. the Civilian Headline Goal 2010, the Multi-Annual Civilian Capability Development Plan); deplores, however, the difficulties to recruit – and keep – a sufficient number of qualified personnel for CSDP missions; encourages the widespread use of rapidly deployable Civilian Response Teams (CRTs), which would increase the rapid reaction capacity of the EU, facilitate swift build-up of missions and contribute to the effectiveness of its crisis management response;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses the need for adequate staffing of missions in line with the various commitments made by Member States in this respect (e.g. the Civilian Headline Goal 2010, the Multi-Annual Civilian Capability Development Plan); deplores, however, the difficulties to recruit – and keep – a sufficient number of qualified personnel for CSDP missions; requests that the benefits and problems associated with the deployment of battle groups have to be scrutinised before an informed decision can be made in regards to the extent to which the CRTs would be used and possibly expanded; encourages the widespread use of rapidly deployable Civilian Response Teams (CRTs), which would increase the rapid reaction capacity of the EU, facilitate swift build-up of missions and contribute to the effectiveness of its crisis management response;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the increasingly volatile external security environment calls for a strengthening of the CSDP to make it a more effective policy instrument; whereas the Union needs to make its external borders more secure;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Regrets the opacity and the high costs that prevail in the selection process of the private companies chosen to ensure the security of the CSDP civilian missions' personnel; Calls for the setup of a security framework contract specific to CSDP civilian missions in order to lower the fares charged by private security companies and to make that selection process more transparent; Believes that European companies should be prioritized in that context;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Considers that the CSDP should be viewed as part of the broader ~~CFSP framework~~external CFSP dimension and of EU external action as a whole as well as part of the internal dimension of the common market, industry, space, research and development policies; strongly believes that coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the various instruments to achieve economies of scale and maximise the impact of EU spending; is convinced that the EU has more tools and leverage potential than any other supranational institution, given that its security and defence policy can be reinforced by a comprehensive approach with other types of EU instruments and financing mechanisms; believes, therefore, that CFSP resources should be used in a smarter way by tying CSDP in with the different programmes managed by the Commission;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Considers that the CSDP ~~should be viewed a~~is part of the broader CFSP framework and of EU external action as a whole; strongly believes that coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the various instruments to achieve economies of scale and maximise the impact of EU spending; is convinced that the EU has more tools and leverage potential than any other supranational institution, given that its security and defence policy can be reinforced by a comprehensive approach with other types of EU instruments and financing mechanisms; believes, therefore, that CFSP resources should be used in a smarter way ~~by tying CSDP in with~~, notably through enhanced coordination between CSDP instruments and the different EU funding programmes managed by the Commission;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Considers that the CSDP should be viewed as part of the broader CFSP framework and of EU external action as a whole; strongly believes that coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the various instruments to achieve economies of scale and maximise the impact of EU spending; is convinced that the EU has more tools and leverage potential than any other supranational institution, given that its security and defence policy can be reinforced by a comprehensive approach with other types of EU instruments and financing mechanisms; believes, therefore, that CFSP resources should be used in a smarter way by ~~tying CSDP in with~~ensuring complementarity between CSDP and the different programmes managed by the Commission;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Considers that the CSDP should be viewed as part of the broader CFSP framework and of EU external action as a whole; strongly believes that coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the various instruments to achieve economies of scale and maximise the impact of EU spending; is convinced that the EU has more tools and leverage potential than any other supranational institution, given that its security and defence policy can be reinforced by a comprehensive approach with other types of EU instruments and financing mechanisms; believes, therefore, that CFSP resources should be used in a smarter way by tying CSDP in with the different programmes managed by the Commission; believes that in the context of the deteriorating security situation in the east and south of the EU and after-effects of the financial crisis on the defence capabilities of the Member States, the EU institutions need to pinpoint ways of supporting Member States in their attempts to ensure security and defence, bearing in mind the obligations incumbent on some Member States owing to their membership of NATO;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls for better military-civilian synergies where appropriate, notably in the areas of logistics, transport and the security of missions, while respecting the different chains of command and the different nature of civilian and military missions;deleted

Amendment 66 #

Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls for better military-civilian synergies where appropriate~~, notably in the areas of~~ and in particular to take into account at the beginning of the planning processes, notably in the areas of premises, medical services, logistics, transport and the security of missions, while respecting the different chains of command and the different nature of civilian and military missions;

Amendment 67 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls for better military-civilian synergies where appropriate, notably in the areas of planning and coordination, logistics, transport and the security of missions, while respecting the different chains of command and the different nature of civilian and military missions;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls for better military-civilian synergies where appropriate, notably in the areas of logistics, transport and the security of missions, while respecting the different chains of command and ~~the different nature~~clearly distinguishing between the natures, objectives and modes of functioning of civilian missions and military ~~miss~~operations;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls for better military-civilian synergies where appropriate, notably in the areas of logistics, transport and the security of missions, while respecting the different chains of command and the different nature of civilian and military missions; considers, however, that the EU should above all focus on civilian missions so as best to play a soft-power role based on its ability to convince and on mediation;

Amendment 7 #

Philippe JUVIN

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the increasingly volatile security environment within and outside the Union calls for a strengthening of the CSDP to make it a more effective policy instrument;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls for mechanisms for cooperation between Member States to be strengthened, including through financing for those activities;

Amendment 71 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Underlines the potential savings which would derive from fostering synergies at EU level in the military field, including transport, training and medical aid; Highlights the role of the European Defence Agency in its mission to foster interoperability and synergies in defence equipment and deployment capabilities among EU Member States, but strongly deplores that, while being headed by the HR/VP, it remains under the authority of the Council and fully funded outside the budget of the European Union, thus escaping from the European democratic scrutiny; calls for the budget of the European Defence Agency to be integrated in the general budget of the European Union;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the review of Crisis Management Procedures (CMP) agreed in 2013, as it led to improvements in the planning and launching of CSDP missions; ~~stresses, however, that more needs to be done to overcome the persistent ‘silos’ separating different parts of the EU~~emphasizes that the many components of the EU's foreign policy continue to function in parallel and calls for its enhanced co-ordination and co-operation; notwithstanding Member States' competence in foreign policy ~~mach~~and the intergovernmental nature of EU foreign policy;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the review of Crisis Management Procedures (CMP) agreed in 2013, as it led to improvements in the planning and launching of CSDP missions; stresses, however, that much more needs to be done to overcome the persistent ‘silos’ separating different parts of the EU foreign policy machinery;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Calls on the Commission to set up permanent financial procedures for the cooperation between the Commission, the EEAS, the EDA, the ESA and member states in the fields of CSDP and common market, industry, space, research and development policies; regrets in this regard the failure of the past HR/VP to put forward the necessary proposal on how to assure the financing of EDA's staffing and running costs from the Union budget as required in the European Parliament's resolution of 12 September 2012 (2012/2050(INI)); calls therefore on the current VP/HR to remedy urgently this failure before the European Council on defence in June 2015; calls on the Commission and the Council to establish permanent financial rules to link EU actors form the areas of internal security (e.g. Frontex, Europol, ENISA) with external defence (e.g. EDA, EEAS);

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Welcomes the implementation of a pilot project on CSDP research done jointly by the European Commission and EDA as proposed by the Parliament in the budget 2015 in view of the Agency implementing Union objectives and Union budget; regrets in this context that the Commission did not provide the Parliament with an assessment of the potential of art. 185 TFEU as requested in its resolution of 21 November 2013 on the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (2013/2125(INI));

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13c. Welcomes the Commission's Implementation Roadmap for Communication on European Defence and Security Sector adopted on 24 June 2014; calls on the Commission in this regard to outline in a stake-holder assessment in which way the potential beneficiaries as well as national and regional administrations are ready to use the described measures of the ESIF, ERDF, ESF or Interreg V; regrets in this regard that the Commission's proposals might come too late in order to influence the ongoing resource allocation of national and regional administrations and re-channel EU funds serving a stronger European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) ;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)

13d. Calls on the European Commission in view of her tasks to strengthen the EDTIB to put forward a proposal clarifying in which form a negative impact of restrictive measures set into force by the Council based on article 215 TFEU on exporting European defence and security industries can be compensated from the EU budget or relieved by non-distorting market activities;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the ‘Train & Equip’ initiative that would ensure the capacity building of partners, as part of a transition or exit strategy, by facilitating the financing of equipment for security forces of third countries; supports a systematic use of project cells, in which interested Member States or third countries can contribute; welcomes the fact that the Commission is considering a more permanent financial support for this initiative;deleted

Amendment 79 #

Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the ‘'Train & Equip’' initiative that would ensure the capacity building of partners, as part of a transition or exit strategy, by facilitating the financing of various forms of hardware and non-lethal equipment for security and defence forces of third countries and supports a joint approach by the EEAS and the Commission on the matter; supports a systematic use of project cells, in which interested Member States or third countries can contribute; w~~elcomes the fact that the Commission is considering a more permanent financial support for this initiative~~hich helps ensuring quick delivery and buy-in of security needs for host countries by providing project support and takes the view that they should be used systematically;

Amendment 8 #

Philippe JUVIN

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas cuts in national defence budgets are making it difficult for Member States to maintain their armed forces and preventing enhancement of the Union’s defence capabilities;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the ‘Train & Equip’ initiative that would ensure the capacity building of partners~~, as part of a transition or exit strategy, by facilitating the financing of equipment for security forces of third countri~~ strengthening crisis prevention through better training, advice, and equipment; calls on the Council to establish a procedure for the assessment where any commonly agreed delivery of military equipment and arms serves the common European interest; supports a systematic use of project cells, in which interested Member States or third countries can contribute; welcomes the fact that the Commission is considering a more permanent financial support for this initiative;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. WDoes not welcomes the ‘Train & Equip’ initiative that would ensure the capacity building of partners, as part of a transition or exit strategy, by facilitating the financing of equipment for security forces of third countries; does not supports a systematic use of project cells, in which interested Member States or third countries can contribute; does not welcomes the fact that the Commission is considering a more permanent financial support for this initiative;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Welcomes the Commission proposals aimed at improving the implementation of Directive 2009/81/EC (on public procurement contracts) and Directive 2009/43/EC (on transfers of defence-related products on the internal market); calls on the Commission to bear in mind that European undertakings operating in the field of defence need special judicial and financial arrangements to enable them to be competitive and to support national efforts to bolster defence capabilities;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Calls for greater involvement of the Commission and Member States in consolidating the military and civil capacities of Member States on the EU’s eastern and southern borders, bearing in mind the current political threats.

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3

~~Financing military operations~~deleted

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Acknowledges~~Welcomes the fact that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget ~~and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between~~; notes that the Athena mechanism is a conflict- financing instrument for Member States, a~~s well as a major incentive, notably for~~nd third countries, and condemns those lfac~~king financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however,~~t that it provides a major incentive to contribute to conflicts; welcomes the fact that the proportion of the common costs remains ~~very~~ low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle ~~further deters Member States from taking an active part; finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured~~still applies;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the ~~fast~~ deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, ~~as well as a major incentive, notably for~~encouraging them, especially those lacking financial and operational resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle further deters Member States from taking an active part in CSDP operations; Worries that this state of affairs, especially in the context of the Member States' lack of willingness to participate to the operations' force generation, hampers the rapid deployment of CSDP operations and jeopardizes their overall efficiency; finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured;

Amendment 87 #

Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Hilde VAUTMANS, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (estimated at around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ outdated principle further deters Member States from taking an active part and leads to delays or even complete blockages in decision-making; finds that the long-term, better financing of military missions should be ensured;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (a~~round~~pproximately 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ~~‘costs lie where they fall’ principle~~high proportion of nation-borne costs and responsibilities in military operations is counter to the principles of solidarity and burden- sharing, which further deters Member States from taking an active part; finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the actual use of operational common costs borne by Athena enumerated in Annex III of the Council decision 2011/871/CFSP remains very limited and that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle further deters Member States from taking an active part; finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas budgetary cuts in defence spending and existing duplications require the rethinking of the financing of CSDP missions and operations by using budgetary allocations in a better and more cost-efficient way while ensuring proper democratic scrutiny at EU institutional level of all missions operations, whether civil or military;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle further deters Member States from taking an active part; ~~finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured;~~

Amendment 91 #

Bas BELDER, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Bernd KÖLMEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle further deters Member States from taking an active part; fin~~ds that~~sists on the introduction of a guaranteed means of securing the long- term financing of military missions ~~should be ensured~~, including at the preparatory stage, which, in every operation, is of crucial importance; recommends that, during the current budget year, an analysis be carried out and a proposal drawn up identifying the resources required and arrangements for securing them;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; ~~regret~~notes, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle further deters Member States from taking an active part; finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured with full respect to Member States' competences in accordance with the subsidiarity principle;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Acknowledges that military operations are financed by the Member States outside the EU budget and that their common costs are covered by the Athena mechanism; underlines that Athena is crucial to the fast deployment of those operations and is an instrument of solidarity between Member States, as well as a major incentive, notably for those lacking financial resources, to contribute to CSDP operations; regrets, however, that the proportion of the common costs remains very low (around 10-15 % of all costs) and that the ‘costs lie where they fall’ principle further deters Member States from taking an active part; finds that the long-term financing of military missions should be ensured, particularly through increased contributions by the wealthier EU Member States;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Deplores~~Notes that, in this context, ~~that~~ the review of the Athena mechanism has not produced tangible results~~, and calls on the Council to deliver quickly on this issue; supports, in particular, an~~; resolutely opposes expansion of the costs eligible under Athena, such as the pre-financing of certain costs or the strategic transport of EU battle groups; expects a final decision on these issues at the next European Council on defence;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Deplor~~Notes, in this context, that the review of the Athena mechanism has not produced tangible results, and ~~calls on~~that the Council ~~to deliver quickly on this issue~~is not encouraging this form of cooperation; supports, in particular, an expansion of the costs eligible under Athena~~, such as the pre-financing of certain costs or the strategic transport of EU battle groups; expects a final decision~~; expects progress on these issues at the next European Council on defence;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Deplores, in this context, that the review of the Athena mechanism has not produced tangible results, and calls on the Council to deliver quickly on this issue; supports, in particular, an expansion of the costs eligible under Athena, (such as, for instance, the pre-financing of certain costs or the strategic transport of EU battle groups) and their budgetisation in the general budget of the European Union; expects a final decision on these issues at the next European Council on defence;

Amendment 97 #